Also just to mention it I do not know a single other classical guitar player that does not stare at his left hand when they perform.  While I use my left leg to play, I never look at my hand, I look at those who paid to hear me play. Either you know how your guitar feels and where the frets are, or you don't.

I've been using the plastic Alaska Piks for a few years, although I prefer to use a standard thumb pick.  Using the Alaska Pik on the thumb is too awkward.  It took awhile to get use to the Alaska Piks, but I like them much better than some of the other types of plastic and metal finger picks that I've tried.  I haven't tried fake nails, since I figured that they would be high maintenance if you want them done right.

Bill

Thanks for posting, Chevo ... enjoyed this thoroughly.

Amy ... you now have me asking myself, "Why wouldn't I go in to an aesthetics parlour, and get some gel nails put on?" It's not like I'm going try and be some Tibetan monk looking for a place in the Guiness Book, but if I can have enough fingernails on to play my classical guitar properly, why not? Why on earth not?

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtxmGQBZ82Y

DE

Hi Zurf ...

Are these the Alaska Picks you were mentioning?

http://www.stollguitars.de/de/files/AlaskaAnleitung.jpg

I'm intrigued, because I also like to play classical guitar, but have never been able to get my right hand fingernails long enough without them cracking, chipping, hangnails, etc. My wife suggested that I go to nail salon and have artificials put on ... that isn't going to happen! (LOL) Please let us know how you make out with these, because they look like a perfect solution for a lot of us, I'm sure.

That picture of Alaska picks looks like a finger wearing a High Heal.

My nails grow pretty fast and get filed almost daily, which stimulates growth.  But I should add that there should be no stigma about having gels done professionally if it's within your budget.  Doing it yourself with your non-dominant hand is trickier than it looks!  We've got enough musicians around town that salons don't even blink when you walk in the door and request only one hand done.  Could be a niche for a nail technician to set up a stall inside a larger music store and schedule a couple of days a week......could stay real busy!

On the thumb pick - I cut it to a low profile pick.

OUCH!

I gotta get my mind outta the gutter, friends.

I keep seeing the word "prick".

Not you, [b]Zurf[/b}. Sometimes I just wake up this way.

Bill

Strummerboy Bill wrote:

Zurf,

The "adult toy store".

You mean where you buy porno videos, edible panties, lubricants, scented condoms, whips, leather, hand cuffs, dildos, strap-ons, vibrators, penis enhancements, PANTLESS CROTCHIES and stuff?

Bill

Nope.  I mean a tool store.  I've got a lot more use for a good set of pliers than any of that other stuff.

Heh-heh-heh-heh. He said tool!

That's actually not where I was going when I wrote out that long list. I was trying to bring the "joke" back on myself making it sound like I had visited such an emporium once or twice in my life.

But I suspect you knew that, my friend and I sure hope you didn't take offense at me having a bit of fun.

Seriously, I'd like to see what you come up with when you get done, so please post picks. Pics.

Bill

Gel Nail Wraps and acrylic are a different beast though than fiber.  Both Gel and Acrylic are things that I wouldn't suggest doing yourself, but they are stronger than fiber.  You'd surely want to go into a nail salon for those (and I'd suggest Gel over Acrylic but since most of you won't go, we won't get into why here).  If you ever heard your Grandma talking about cutting a piece of tea bag and super gluing it to her nail to save a broken nail, that's the same idea as the fiber nail wrap.  If you haven't heard of this, ask some woman over 50 about it.  Or not... but yeah, it's an idea that's been around a long time.    Zurf's explanation was good, " For the life of me, it sounded like a fiberglass & resin buildup for canoe repairs. "  The fiberglass and resin isn't as thick as you'd think it would be.  If you really want to grow your nails though, just go start taking prenatal vitamins!  Ha ha ha!  OH - and don't bother trying to just glue a fake nail on.  It won't stay.  Those are meant to be glued on and then covered with acrylic. 

OK... back on topic... Zurf, I like those picks!  They are pretty neat, and look like they'd work really well.  I think my nails are about that length (as shown in TF's pic), maybe a little shorter.  I personally find that sometimes I like to pick the strings with my finger pad, other times the nail.  I've seen some basic finger picks and thought, "Holy Hell those are long!  How could someone play with those?  I can't button my pants with nails that long, how could someone pick a guitar?" -- so, I think you're onto something good with these!!  Keep us updated on how it's working for you.  At one point I liked thumb picks a LOT.  Sounds like you found a seriously low profile pick.  I've considered filing mine down and trying it again.  If I were unable to grow my nails for some reason, I would absolutely run out and buy some of those picks 12 string or not!

- Zurf